Hello I wonder if anybody can help me.
I inherited a Master ace Surf 2.0L Diesel Auto from my dad and since I have had it, a load of lights periodicaly come on. These include the Battery Light, The Oil Level Light, The Water Drain Light, The Oil Pressure Light, The Water in Fuel Filter Light and the A/T Oil Temp light. As well as these, both the turbo lights are on.
I don't know if this is a new fault with the car or has been going on for some time as my mum didn't take much notice of the car in any way. I assumed it to be a short in the wires and ignored it. This has gone on intermittently for about a month.
Tonight, I was driving up the motorway and it appears the battery isn't charging. The Radio switched off and I eventually limped home with very dim lights.
Is this a known problem or are they two seperate issues?
Any help will be very greatfully received.
Thanks
Brian
Tonight
- (#9457) Brian Wharf, 21 Mar 04 13:08
Brian. There will be information in the archives re this. Yes, the "lights on" is an indication that there is a problem with the alternator and your first check should be that the drive belts are OK, ie, intact and not slipping. However, since the vacuum pump, which supplies vacuum to the brake servo, is also on the alternator shaft,unless you are noticing that very excessive force is required to operate the footbrake pedal,or other vacuum assisted devices are not functioning, it is unlikely to be a belt or drive problem. A local vehicle electrical depot will test the alternator for you but, there is lots of information in the engine manual, part No RMO25E. It costs less than a tenner and can be ordered from your local Toyota dealer
- (#9457) John Davis (Leics), 21 Mar 04 13:23
Thanks very much for that, I will have a look tonight. My Brakes are working ok so it does sound like a new alternator.
Brian.
- (#9457) Brian Wharf, 21 Mar 04 23:43
I was looking for lite ace parts and happened to see this, The same happened to me and I found it to be the altenators brushes.
I removed the unit and stripped it and managed to match the brushes in a washing machine shop for a £1, that was three years ago.
hope this helps. Ian.
- (#9457) Ian, 23 Mar 04 14:47
Had same symptoms, turned out to be the wire that takes the charge to the battery was corroded and poor contact at the battery terminal - worth a check before you start stripping bits, especially if the "Christmas tree lights" is intermittent
- (#9457) Tom, 25 Mar 04 16:52
brian/ l had the same problem with my townace as l was about to drive from cornwall to scotland one morning the dash board lite up,, went to the garage and yes its a saftly check that when your alternater and brushes need doing that happens . so get them done fast l would nt have made the m6 good luck alan
- (#9457) alan, 20 Apr 04 10:17
Many Thanks, I fixed it. I got an alternator from a breakers with a 4 month guaruntee on it. I have kept the old Alternator and will try to fix it with the help of a local washing machine shop.
Thanks again
Brian
- (#9457) Brian Wharf, 27 Apr 04 12:04